Empower Humans: A Success, Joy & Growth Podcast!

165: Serving Humanity! (w/ MATT MADDIX!)

In this episode, the dynamic and energetic Matt Maddix shared a ton of great insights about parenting - topics that make you think!  He talked a lot about being a single parent and the lessons of resilience and commitment learned in that process.  He talked about schooling and education and thinking outside the box.

We also talked thoroughly about his work with the homeless throughout the country and especially in the Phoenix area.  He talked about who these people are and how we should see them.  Lastly, we had a bit of what some might consider a controversial discussion about this pandemic and his strong views surrounding it.

164: The HAPPINESS Recipe! (w/ REBECCA MORRISON)

We had a great conversation with Rebecca Morrison in today's episode!  She shared a lot about her background and how she learned not to need so much stuff.  We talked at length about priorities and managing them properly in a world that quickly and easily gets tangled and cluttered. 

We talked about finding and shifting beliefs in the process of growth as well as building the relationships that matter most.  We even discussed how the little things make massive differences and how it all relates to sculptures!  Pick up Rebecca's amazing new book here: The Happiness Recipe: A Powerful Guide to Living What Matters

163: Find CLARITY & Get Unstuck! (w/ BECCA RIBBING)

In this episode, Becca Ribbing shared about her interesting childhood and what it means to find clarity in order to make the right decisions - especially at this time when so many are at a crossroads.  We talked about how to move forward and even coach yourself by asking some important questions.  We talked about some real world stories in her experience and mine.  We also discussed the importance of honing in on what's serving you and your life goals best...among many other details!  Enjoy!

162: Less Is More - Let Go to Let FLOW!

We talked at length in this episode about clearing our path forward so we can move and obtain our true objectives in life.  This is a process of filtering that includes asking and facing some hard questions at times.  We talked about some things that happened in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" as well as the movie "Up in the Air" as it relates to these topics.  We also covered some important principles, quotes and 7 tips to really let go and let life flow!

161: The TRUTH of Fasting, Food, Assimilating Energy & MORE! (w/ DESS SEALY)

Dess shared with us some great knowledge regarding nutrition, wellness, healing and more.  He talked about the energetic content of everything we are and everything we consume.  He shared about fallacies and corrupt history regarding the supposed "4 food groups" and modern eating in general.  He talked about fast food and the REAL food groups that sustain life.  He talked about the dangers of cooked foods, the power of living foods and so much more!

160: Healing & Reprogramming for Success! (w/ NICOLE LAINO)

In this episode, we had a wonderful privilege to sit down with Nicole Laino, an accomplished peak performance coach, brand strategist and startup founder.  Nicole shared some wonderful insights about healing and breaking past mental barriers to success.  She taught us about everything from chakras and Reiki to NLP/EFT and the law of attraction.  She opened up about some of her own life challenges and experiences, gave us great insights in finding our own "zone of genius" and much, much more!  Enjoy! 

159: Mental Health & Entrepreneurship! (w/ SCOUT SOBEL)

We talked in this episode with Scout Sobel, who is an author, entrepreneur, podcast host, mental health advocate and much more!  Scout has a new book coming August 16th called The Emotional Entrepreneur in which she tells her story of facing and largely overcoming everything from anxiety attacks to catatonia.  She talks about finding power in authenticity as we face reality instead of just an image we portray to the world.  She talks about depression, nature vs. nurture and the crucial role of hope in all we do, especially in the face of difficulties like this.  Enjoy all this an much more in this episode!

158: Transformative Self-Love & Meditation! (w/ MAHIMA)

In this episode, we were privileged to hear the story and insights of the one and only MAHIMA. She shared extensively about her background and growing up in Zimbabwe in a difficult and abusive situation.  She told about her journey which brought her all over the world and how she discovered meditation while in India.  She shared many great insights about finding our true selves and maximizing our results in life.  She shared about her meditation challenge on her website as well as the "Meant For More!" challenge starting July 26th!  Also, join the "Meant For More!" Facebook Group!  Enjoy!

157: Overcome & Maximize! (w/ DANIEL BLUE)

We were privileged to welcome Daniel Blue to talk to us about his story and ways to maximize our results as an entrepreneur and in our financial lives as well.  He told us of a turbulent upbringing which culminated in drug addiction and an unplanned pregnancy.  

He opened up and was very vulnerable about some difficulties with his own father and the difficult process of overcoming addiction.  He shared about life lessons and how to strive for balance with business, family and other important areas of life - especially as an entrepreneur.  He also shared about his upcoming book and his own podcast: "How Winners Win"!  Information on all of it is available at DanielBlue.me!

156: Impact Challenge! (w/ MARCUS BELL)

In this episode, we covered several topics surrounding Marcus' musical background and many of the analogies there that apply to people's lives in many areas.  We talked about failure, practice, habits and much more.  We talked about having principles in place to govern our lives and maximize our results.  We also talked about his 100 Dayz Impact Challenge as well!

155: Authentic, Vulnerable Emotional Intelligence! (w/ ROBIN HILLS)

In this episode, we had the privilege of spending time with Robin Hills, coming to us from the UK!  He is an emotional intelligence coach, trainer, facilitator, author and much more.  He talked with us about working from the inside out and overcoming the emotions that can hold us back such as fear.  He talked about boundaries and being constructive vs. destructive.  We discussed the importance of self-awareness as we expand our horizons.  We talked about the inherent difficulties of keeping things bottled up, anxiety, hope and the general benefits of positivity.  Enjoy!

154: Master Your Patterns/Emotions & Reclaim Your Life! (w/ THOMAS ANDERSON)

In this episode, we had the privilege of talking with Thomas Anderson, author of The Vulnerable Man: Break your patterns. Master your emotions. Reclaim your life. We talked about the importance of inner work and what happens when we keep things bottled up.  We talked about the importance of presence and fully grasping the meaning and purpose of our emotions.

We talked about the difference between empowering and disempowering behavior and how self-awareness and self control can be freeing as we strive to transform into the best version of ourselves.  We touched on anxiety, stress and being very real with the consequences - good and bad - of all our choices.

153: "Spirituality for Badasses!" (w/ J. STEWART DIXON)

We talked at length in this podcast about mindfulness and finding that calm island as an anchor in our otherwise (often) chaotic lives that may seem to spin out of control.  Mr. Dixon enlightened us on some thoughts and techniques and reignited our drive and coming out of ruts to be excited in life again.  We had a great back-and-forth discussion about scenarios, controlling anger, harnessing real opportunities to own ourselves and our decisions and much, much more!  Enjoy!

152: Your Path of Mastery! (w/ ZULMA REYO)

We had an incredible conversation with Zulma Reyo, author of Inner Alchemy: The Path of Mastery!  We talked about her background which led her down this path and what exactly inner alchemy means.  We talked about calming our inner chatter, using our body as an instrument of the greater life and how to recognize spirituality in our day-to-day lives.  We talked about the role of the ego, intuition and the greatest power humans possess!  Enjoy!

151: The Law of Attraction "In High-Def!" (w/ ANDREW KAP)

Andrew Kap is the author of one of the most renowned and popular books on the subject of the law of attraction - The Last Law of Attraction Book You'll Ever Need To Read: The Missing Key To Finally Tapping Into The Universe And Manifesting Your Desires.  We covered many facets of this fascinating topic including some of his methods, such as the "blitz method" and general gratitude principles, etc.  He shared some really interesting stories and responded to those who may be major skeptics on this topic.

150: GREG MCKEOWN: Effortless Essentialism!

Greg McKeown is a world-renowned, best-selling author of both Essentialism and his latest book, Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most.  In our interview, he was very transparent about his own personal life experiences that fed into the creation of this landmark work. 

We thoroughly went through the structure of the book, which is divided into three parts.  Greg talked to us about the contrast between burnout and the effortless state. 

We talked about the power of presence, especially with those people who matter most to us.  He also shared some powerful stories and a few special things that weren't included in the final edit of the book.  Enjoy!

149: We ARE Creators!

In this episode, we talked about how we choose the outcomes in all areas of our lives, even and especially after some difficulty or failure.  We talk about assigning meaning and how we associate pleasure and pain makes all the difference in our destiny.  We talked about my son and an interesting situation that took place with him in context of this topic.  We covered some ideas and ways to really maximize this in our lives.

148: The "Accountability Mirror"!

In this episode, we talked at length about a topic brought up in David Goggins' book, Can't Hurt Me.  The concept of an "accountability mirror" is a profound way to stay in tune with ourselves, where we really are and visualize where we want to go!  We talked about being mindful of certain things about ourselves we may wish to improve in a healthy way, as well as celebrating the good things.  We also talked about focusing on solutions, not just problems.  We covered some ground in the concept of affirmations and shared some of the things Zig Ziglar used to share with his audiences!

147: We Rise by Lifting Others!

Have you ever been down at all in your life?  I have found that one of the surest ways out of that place is to help, serve and LIFT others!  In this episode, we talk about this - first from the standpoint of the great legacies and shoulders of many who have gone before and sacrificed on OUR behalf.  We talk about my recent viewing of the 1998 film "Saving Private Ryan" and the great impact these stories have.  We talked about our responsibilities given these legacies and I told a story about a situation that presented itself in my world a few weeks ago.  We also talk about a few tips to maximize our efforts in helping others...and much more!

146: Undoing A Downward Spiral! (w/ MELISSA MONTE)

In this episode, Melissa shared some profound insights with us from some very impactful life experiences, including loss of her father, a friend to suicide, two sexual assaults, an eating disorder and even being falsely charged with a very serious crime.  Melissa has a depth of knowledge and a warmth of comprehension of what it's like to go through some of the most difficult experiences of life.  She shared with us some ways to process our feelings as well as establishing tools to raise our vibration and energy levels.  Enjoy some wonderful, insightful thoughts and conversation... And don't miss Melissa's Mind Love podcast as well as MindLove.com!

145: The Conflict Resolution Playbook (w/ JEREMY POLLACK)

This was a special and unique episode with Jeremy Pollack in which we talked about the nature of conflict and the most efficient ways to handle and solve it.  This can apply in just about any area of life: family, marriage, work, school, etc. 

We talked about the dynamics of road rage and the safety/winning aspects of selfish actions that tend to lead to conflict in the first place.  We talked about the two-way street nature of relationships.  Jeremy elaborated on some examples as we talked about the best ways to diffuse conflict before it becomes explosive. 

We even talked about this from a leadership standpoint as well as some approaches when conflict arises with customers.  Don't miss this one!

144: Change Your Story, Change Your Life! (w/ RICH CURTIS)

Rich Curtis gave us so many great gems of knowledge here!  He shared some of his own life experience as it pertains to stories and their power in our lives.  He also shared other examples and showed us ways to identify the stories we tell ourselves, especially the ones with a negative connotation.  Rich showed us how to rewrite stories through 4 simple steps as well as 4 additional habits to create an optimum environment in the brain for happiness.  Visit RichCurtis.com and grab his book here: 

Change Your Story Change Your Life: The field guide to: Rewrite your stories, Create Happiness and Set yourself free

143: Vision to Reality - Creating YOUR Blissful Life! (w/ HEATH ARMSTRONG)

Heath Armstrong is an Author, the Co-Founder of Rage Create, and an ECommerce Maniac. He is the creator of Sweet-Ass Affirmations: Motivation for Your Creative Maniac Mind, several Sweet-Ass Journals, and the host of the "Never Stop Peaking" podcast.  

We talked in this episode about his early years and artistic pursuits and creating a life you love.  He showed us what connecting the dots in your life can look like.  He also shared thoughts surrounding what he calls "resistance gremlins" and overcoming them to bring our "vision to reality".  

We discussed cultivating our minds like gardens and finding the joy that is literally everywhere.  He even shared some great and poetic thoughts at the end!

142: Suffering IS Optional! (w/ SOPHIE MCLEAN)

In this episode, we had the privilege to speak with wisdom teacher Sophie Mclean.  She shared an amazing life story from being a refugee at a young age to being a helicopter pilot and doing amazing things for humanity on many levels.  She shares stories and insights of traumatic life moments that may make your jaw drop.  She fills us with absolute love and wisdom as she shows us how to get back to a blissful state - which is the correct and natural state of human beings!

 

Grab her FREE course here: The Call of the Soul
Also, grab her book here: The Elegance of Simplicity

141: Are You Living Your Best Life? (w/ DR. LIN MOREL)

Dr. Lin Morel taught us generously today about trauma, resilience, love, gratitude and finding joy & happiness in our lives.  She told about several episodes of neglect and abuse in her own life and why she ran away at age 17.  We talked about "waking up" to who we truly are, gaining self-awareness and tools to overcome along the way.  She taught us abundantly about loss and forgiveness and so much more!  Also, check out her free, 10-minutes-per-day course for our audience: "Are You Living Your Best Life?" here!

140: Gaining Everything By Losing it All (w/ John Lefebvre)

John Lefebvre has a very fascinating story.  Having come from a poor home and losing his father at a very young age, John's rags to riches tale is one for the ages!  He shares some interesting details of life at the top of the financial heap - extravagances most only dream about or see in movies.  He tells about the major life lessons learned and how he also was put in prison for 45 days.  We talked about lifting and helping others as the true source of lasting riches and we talked about his forthcoming music as well.  Check out his books here:

Good with Money: A Rich Guy’s Guide to Gaining Everything by Losing it All. A Memoir

AND,

All's Well: Where Thou Art Earth and Why

139: Building Relationships w/ JUDI FOX!

In this episode, we were privileged to discuss the power and techniques of effective networking, especially as it relates to social media and LinkedIn.  We talked about how people all go further with each other.  We also discussed how truly interconnected we all are as people and the two-way street nature of all relationships - business, dating or otherwise.  We talked about some of the key foundational principles of building trust genuinely and much more!

138: "Success" vs. Fulfillment - Maki Moussavi Returns!

We had the honor of welcoming back Maki Moussavi to talk more about success, fulfillment and the band Tool?  Yes, we talked about all those topics including the band because I discovered we're both fans.  We recapped a few items from our previous talk in episode 57, but really dove into the topics of pain and hustle and some of the delusional beliefs many have surrounding all of that and how it has to be included in the ingredients for success.  We covered a lot of different ground in a very fulfilling and enlightening conversation.

137: Mind First / Body Second with SID GARZA-HILLMAN

What a great conversation we had with the one and only Sid Garza-Hillman.  We were able to talk at length about his running career as well as being a race director after suffering from Asthma in his earlier years.  We discussed many philosophical principles and analogies (he was a philosophy major at UCLA after all) surrounding the running of super marathons.  We talked further about the intertwined nature of health, wellness and happiness as also discussed in his new book: Six Truths: Live by these truths and be happy. Don't, and you won't. - coming out in April of 2021.  Be sure to pre-order it now and enjoy our in depth conversation!

136: Self Love / Boundaries / Balance with NAKETA REN THIGPEN

Naketa brought us a ton of wonderful value today in a variety of topics tied to her important role as a balance and relationship advisor at her Thigpro Balance & Relationship Management Institute.  We talked in depth about her past experience working with victims of trauma and some of the different ways humans respond to and cope with trauma.  We talked about balancing work and personal living as well as the deep principles necessary to a harmonious and successful intimate relationship.  Join us in the conversation today!

Ep. 135: Breaking Limiting Beliefs - KIRSTEN BESKE Returns!

After a wonderful conversation in episode 133 that didn't quite feel complete, we returned to the conversation with the Kirsten Beske.  This time, we got REALLY in depth as to the nature of limiting beliefs and our power to overcome them. We talked about how this all applies as we associate with one another in families and society at large.  We also covered some amazing ground related to the topics of perfectionism, imposter syndrome and others.  I encourage one and all to join her Becoming Boundless Facebook group as well.  Enjoy!

Ep. 134: ALAINA SCHWARTZ - 20% Strategy / 80% Psychology!

We talked a lot in this episode about the principles Alaina teaches as a business and mindset coach.  She shares some insights about paradigms and other symbolic thoughts such as icebergs.  She opened up about marital and other family difficulties and the silver linings present in all these areas.  We talked about the concept of scarcity, debt, instant gratification and the perceived value of the individual in the phrase, "You are not enough unless you have more!" To schedule your own 15 minute call with Alaina, go here: https://go.oncehub.com/15mincallwithAlaina

Ep. 133: KIRSTEN BESKE - Mindset Mastery!

We were delighted to welcome Kirsten Beske to today's podcast!  She brought a lot of great information and shared much of her background that led her into the practice of law after being educated at Harvard; and then going on to be a psychotherapist and mindset coach!  She shared some very intimate stories about the births of her children and how it all went way different than planned with both children's lives being in jeopardy.  We talked at length about the nature of neuropathways and overcoming limiting beliefs, a conversation we will likely continue at a future date.  Go join her Becoming Boundless Facebook group as well!

Ep. 132: DAVID SHAR - Joy in Life & Business!

We had the privilege to talk today with the one and only David Shar. He imparted tons of great wisdom and stories from his own business experience, which largely started with an ice cream business in downtown Baltimore.  He shared many lessons about our "WHY," employee satisfaction and overall mindset when it comes to leadership.  He shared many great insights about business and life and how it is all intertwined.  Stick around 'til the end for a great story about his kids!  See more about David and his wonderful work here!

Ep. 131: RYAN HUBER - New Lease on Life!

This is perhaps the most powerful episode of our podcast.  We were privileged to talk with Ryan Huber who, after a long string of drug and alcohol use as well as homelessness, tried to take his own life with his mother's 9mm handgun in September of 2017.  Thankfully and miraculously, he survived.  In the aftermath, he has a new lease on life with a new perspective on life as a gift.  He has found healthy sources of lasting joy and peace and has found alignment with nature.  This story covers a vast spectrum of darkness and light.

Ep. 130: LOGAN PRICE - Millennial/Gen Z Entrepreneur + Overcoming Fear!

In this episode, we were able to discuss many interesting topics with Logan Price including overcoming fear, growing up after the new millennium + some differences between the generations.  We talked also about overcoming weaknesses and how to pivot from feeling sorry for yourself.  Logan is an up-and-coming author and entrepreneur who has a lot of knowledge and drive to lift the world.  Enjoy!

Ep. 129: DAMONA HOFFMAN - Strategy & Personal Brand!

Damona Hoffman ("I Make A Living" & "Dates and Mates" podcasts) has a unique background in the entertainment business as well as being a seasoned dating expert/coach.  We had a nice conversation about the ins and outs of networking in most areas of life, including and especially the dating world as well as in business as an entrepreneur.  She shared some useful strategy in terms of mindset and action items to further our success in these areas.  Enjoy!

Ep. 128: DANIEL MANGENA - Beyond Intention!

Daniel Mangena is an author and speaker helping people bust through limiting paradigms and belief patterns to create the successful life they want for themselves and loved ones.  In this interview, we discussed his unique background as a black British child of immigrants.  He had major early success in business as a teenager followed by major failures and a late diagnosis of Asperger's.  He is helping humanity awaken to their full potential without limits.  Join us for an insightful and uplifting ride!

Ep. 127: ONE GOOD REASON w/ Sean McCann & Andrea Aragon!

Sean and Andrea really opened up to us in this episode about their individual and shared stories of trauma, childhood abuse, alcoholism, trials and triumphs together.  They were very open and vulnerable in telling their story (as explained in even more depth in their book).  Andrea had her own tumultuous childhood, and Sean comes from a very successful background in music from the band Great Big Sea where his riotous lifestyle was enabled and made to flourish.  He shares his story in which he kept a dark childhood secret until a momentous day in 2014 when he was finally able to lift his own burden by sharing it for the first time.  They stuck together and seem like they are very close.  Writing this incredibly deep and poignant book together is another testament of that!  Check it out here!

Ep. 126: Success & Failure Are Found in the LITTLE THINGS!

In this episode, we talked about how little things make all the difference.  This is a universal topic that has been discussed seemingly from the beginning of time - from ancient scripture to modern popular music.  Little things make the difference in us lifting others and ourselves, in bettering our minds, bodies, relationships with everyone and so much more.  We talk about a few real world stories of people helping each other and the deep impact that has had in otherwise small events.  This applies in our day-to-day choices and the habits we create based on the real outcomes we want.  Enjoy!

Ep. 125: Adam Jablin - Success vs. Fulfillment + Overcoming Addiction!

Adam Jablin is a best-selling author as well as a dynamic and highly sought after speaker, corporate consultant and performance coach.  In this episode, he opened up about his story and journey of addiction and how his eyes were opened to so many valuable insights and aspects of life he was previously missing.  He took that journey towards self-mastery and self-awareness and now lifts others through his many valuable tools and this great book: Lotsaholic: From a Sick to Sober Superman

Ep. 124: THALIA TOHA - Big Wins in Life & Business!

We had the honor of welcoming fellow Albuquerquean (is that a word?), Thalia Toha.  She has a unique background as an immigrant who came to the USA as a teenager.  She was able to learn English and progress in school to the point of being able to go to Princeton and pursue her career, first as an architect and then as a business coach with incredibly thorough and effective principles for success and life balance!  Enjoy!

Ep. 123: TOTAL RESILIENCE w/ Dr. Lise Deguire

This is a powerful episode where we hear the story of how Dr. Deguire, when she was just 4 years old, sustained 3rd degree burns over 2/3 of her body.  Her new book, Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor, is a compelling read which recounts this event and the subsequent decades of its residual effects.  She shares many of these intimate details with an admirable vulnerability with us in this interview.  If you are going through hard things, or have gone through anything difficult (and haven't we all?!), there is much in the way of great perspective in this book and interview!

Ep. 122: Expanded Capacity w/ LISA FABREGA

Lisa Fabrega is a very profound, intelligent, articulate and caring author and coach who teaches and uplifts anyone - from the local manager of a small business to Oscar nominees and Nobel Prize candidates.  One of her major areas of focus is in capacity and expanding it to more fully and efficiently meet our goals.  This enlightening discussion is sure to uplift, enlighten and inspire you!  Connect with Lisa through her through her website.

Ep. 121: Dream, Fund, Execute w/ NATHEN AAREN!

We had a great conversation with Nathen Aaren regarding finding clarity for our dreams, obtaining the funds to bring them to fruition, and then executing! He came to us today from Portland and shared a remarkable story of pursuing his dreams in Hollywood, working with top talent and, through a few twists and turns, ending up homeless and living out of his car (spoiler alert!).  His is a story of resilience and love for his fellow man/woman.  He embodies these qualities as he empowers individuals to fulfill their goals and dreams.  Find him on his website, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Ep. 120: Overcome & Unite

This is a unique episode recorded as a spontaneous message after our scheduled guest had some unexpected difficulties and was therefore excused, of course.  We rescheduled that guest and a message was shared instead about the indispensable need for human unity so we can overcome together during troubled times, individually and collectively.

Ep. 119: TRUE ALIGNMENT w/ MELANIE WELLER

This was a wonderful conversation with physical therapist (among other titles), author and consultant Melanie Weller! Melanie also specializes in the physics and mechanics of voice, body & breath. She had some very profound insights on tuning and aligning ourselves and how our physical state is very intimately tied to our well-being mentally and emotionally. This conversation is one you don't want to miss...

You can find out more about Melanie and her work at her website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Melanie is offering a free Vagus Nerve Decompression Course on that teaches you bring your physical alignment into alignment with the big picture. Check her website and social media for updates on her book release.

Ep. 118: MARK SHAIKEN - Finding Purpose & Satisfaction!

Mark Shaiken has a great book, And...Just Like That - essays on a life before, during, and after the law.  He was a lawyer for 38 years focusing on corporate bankruptcy and found a way to make a plan and transition out of that long career.  Now he spends much of his time focused on various humanitarian pursuits including helping bring art to inner city children, photography for military veterans to find joy/meaning as well as Habitat for Humanity.  Mark and his wife live in Denver and have an adult son.  Come for interesting insights and stay for the extended lawyer hours billing!  Just kidding...Enjoy!

Ep. 117: Own It. Love It. Make It Work w/ CARSON TATE!

Today we had the great privilege of chatting with Carson Tate and, despite preconceived notions surrounding a name like Carson, she is actually a bona fide, dynamic WOMAN!  Carson works a great deal with jobs and employment in general.  She works with companies of various sizes to maximize collective efficiency and overall satisfaction by implementing simple, yet profound, principles that can transform what could otherwise be toxic, life-sucking environments that plague many in the business world.  Enjoy!

Ep. 116: Power in Emotions with JESH DE ROX!

Jesh de Rox is a very calm and insightful fellow, bringing many wonderful insights in the realm of  meditation and authentic human emotion.  His website allows people to connect around the world, even  strangers, to participate in and connect through meditation together.  This was a pretty deep conversation which also touched on his deep background as an isolated child and, later, a photographer  who developed a system for creating and bringing authentic emotion to our lives.  Enjoy!